The causes of a herniated disc can include the sudden trauma of a car accident, a sports-related injury, and increased pressure that is created by a sudden twisting motion, among other similar incidents. The leading cause of a herniated disc, though, is nothing more than the natural aging process. More specifically, the body undergoes certain changes as we age and it is these changes that can lead to the development of a herniated disc. Degenerative changes elsewhere in the body can lead to the graying of hair and the wrinkling of skin, while degenerative changes in the spine can lead to the aches and pains we all associate with growing older. But what exactly are these changes and how do they cause a herniated disc? Before this question can be answered, the anatomy of the spine must first be discussed.

The Spinal Anatomy & Degenerative Changes

The spine’s major components work cohesively to support the weight of the body and to allow the neck and back to bend, twist, and otherwise move. The vertebrae are the hollow bone structures that house and protect the spinal cord. The articulating vertebrae are connected to one another with facet joints, which enable the neck and back to bend. These movements are cushioned by the intervertebral discs that separate adjacent vertebrae and serve to absorb the impact that is placed on the neck and back. Each of these components is vulnerable to gradually breaking down, primarily because of the sheer amount of weight and pressure that is continually applied to them.

A number of degenerative spinal conditions can occur as a direct result of the natural aging process, including:

– Spondylolisthesis – the slippage of one vertebra over the one located beneath it

– Facet disease – a type of arthritis that affects the vertebral facet joints, making them stiff, painful, and inflamed

– Degenerative disc disease – the hardening and thinning of a disc’s outer wall as well as the dehydration of the disc’s inner content. Degenerative disc disease can lead to the development of other spinal conditions, namely bulging and herniated discs.

An Overview of Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when a disc’s outer wall (the annulus fibrosus) develops a tear, allowing its inner content (the nucleus pulposus) to seep out. In and of itself, a herniated disc can cause little to no pain or discomfort. However, there are small nerves in the outer third of the annulus fibrosus that can become irritated by the disc’s tear and this can cause mild localized pain. In the event that the nucleus pulposus is able to spill into the spinal canal and make contact with a nearby spinal nerve or the spinal cord, the patient may experience severe localized pain. Neural compression can also lead to radiating symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the neck, back, shoulders, hips, and/or extremities.

Risk Factors for Herniated Discs

While the natural aging process is one of the leading causes of a herniated disc and is entirely unavoidable, there are some avoidable risk factors that can contribute to the deterioration of the discs. These include:

– Obesity – Being overweight forces the spine to work extra hard to support the body. Losing weight can dramatically improve spinal health by easing the strain that is being placed on the neck and back.

– A sedentary lifestyle – So-called “couch potatoes” do very little to maintain a strong and healthy spine. Becoming more active can strengthen the muscles in the neck and back, providing the spine with added support.

– Alcohol abuse – While most people know that abusing alcohol can destroy the liver, few realize how negatively alcoholism can affect the spine. Reducing alcohol consumption can ensure that the spine is receiving the hydration that it needs and it can also help maintain bone density.

– Participation in high impact sports – Hockey, gymnastics, football, and a number of rough-and-tumble sports can place excess force on the spine. Focusing instead on low-impact exercises like swimming and walking can promote a healthy lifestyle while also placing minimum strain on the spine.

Treating a Herniated Disc

Regardless of what causes a herniated disc, a number of conservative, nonsurgical treatments can be utilized to relieve the condition’s symptoms. One of the most effective means for managing the symptoms of a herniated disc is the use of medication. Most patients will be advised to take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, which block the body’s production of pain and inflammation inducing enzymes. Those who are unable to take NSAIDs, especially individuals with a cardiovascular or gastrointestinal condition may instead be advised to take an over-the-counter analgesic like acetaminophen. In the event that over-the-counter medication proves ineffective, the physician may prescribe a narcotic pain reliever or a muscle relaxant.

In most cases, treatment for a herniated disc will involve some type of physical therapy. This can include strength training exercises that target the muscles and ligaments in the neck and back, and it can also include a number of other methods that fall under the branch of passive physical therapy. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and massage therapy are all examples of passive physical therapy.

Alternative Therapies for a Herniated Disc

Some patients choose to utilize alternative therapies to relieve the symptoms that a herniated disc causes. It should be noted that the medical community has not come to a consensus regarding the efficacy of many popular alternative therapies, so they should be utilized at the patient’s discretion. That said, many of those who suffer from a herniated disc turn to one or more of the following alternative therapies:

-Herbal supplements

-Acupuncture

-Acupressure

-Hypnosis

-Chiropractic manipulation

Those who wish to use alternative therapies for the treatment of a herniated disc should inform their primary care physician or spine specialist.

Surgery for a Herniated Disc

Though rare, some patients may not receive adequate relief from the use of nonsurgical treatments. These patients may be advised to undergo open spine surgery to alleviate their pain and discomfort. This type of operation focuses on relieving the pressure that is being placed on the affected spinal nerve, often by removing the problematic disc and fusing the adjacent vertebrae. This severely limits the patient’s mobility in the particular region of the spine that has been operated on and can require a lengthy and arduous rehabilitation.

In lieu of open spine surgery, some patients opt to undergo an endoscopic procedure. These minimally invasive procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and only require the removal of a very small portion of spinal anatomy. In turn, spinal fusion is not necessary and the patient is able to maintain full mobility. In most cases, patients are able to return to daily activities within a matter of weeks, though some patients report immediate relief.

Further Information

To learn more about the causes of a herniated disc, speak with a primary care physician or spine specialist. He or she can also provide more information about the various treatments that can be utilized to relieve the condition’s symptoms.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for herniated discs and several other spinal conditions. http://www.laserspineinstitute.com/herniated_disc/

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: Herniated Disc Causes